9 creative blog post types for quick (but epic) content

Do you want save precious time blogging but don’t want to skimp on the quality of your posts? We hear you!

Below are 10 nifty blog post ideas that can be applied to any topic that both you and your audience will love.

Crowdsourced Post

What it is:

A crowdsourced post is a piece that is made up of information supplied by others (the crowd).

How it’s done:

Once you have a topic, instead of researching and writing it all yourself, reach out to people who know a lot about it (ideally experts in the field) and ask them for their opinion.

You then only have to write the introduction and the padding of the article.

Why it works:

Obviously, having a group of external sources weigh in on a topic makes for very informative content.

A post of this type requires minimal effort on your part. The main work is finding and reaching out to your sources.

Mostly, people are only too happy to provide their 2 cents’ worth in exchange for some exposure.

Content of this nature acts as ego bait – in other words, the experts who are mentioned in it are quite likely to share and distribute the post themselves.

Another benefit is that you are able to leverage each expert’s audience. Their fans are likely to read an article their hero is mentioned in, even if they’ve never heard of your brand.

The Fishbone Post

How it’s done:

Decide on a topic with a lot of scope – list posts are the most common type of fishbone post. Write a bit of information about each point and then find the best article on the web which explains each point in depth.

For example, in an article about decluttering I might say: ‘Tip 1: Fold your shirts vertically to save cupboard space”, and then link to a YouTube video showing people how to do this. You would then do this for every item in your post.

In the future I could then make my own video about how to fold shirts vertically (and the other tips I link to) and replace the link I had with my own content.

Why it works:

A Fishbone is long and informative, yet requires minimal effort to begin with.

It provides you with a list of content topics you can work your way through in future.

It increases the likelihood of getting shares and links as the article you link to are likely to take notice.

You are able to replace external content with your own over time, thereby creating fresh content, which Google loves.

The Interview Post

What it is:

As the name suggests, you interview someone (usually a respected member of your field) on a specific topic. This can be done as a video, podcast or text post.

How it’s done:

Find and expert. Get them to agree to an interview. Interview them. Simple as that.

Why it works:

You have a built in audience of their followers and fans

You develop a relationship with said expert – and they get to know you and your brand

It’s likely that they will link to your post from their website, or share the interview from their social media – thereby improving the post’s authority and increasing your views and shares

The ‘My Reaction’ Post

What it is:

You take a news story, talked about social media post, or popular video and you embed it in your post – along with your own commentary or reaction.

How it’s done:

Find a trending post or video, embed or link to it from your own post and share your reaction or commentary in that same post.

Why it works:

You already know the topic is popular

It take very little effort to do

You’re able to piggyback on the popularity the post already has

You’re able to join in on a buzz topic without having to be the instigator

The Quote/Stat/Facts Post

What it is:

You find and compile quotes, statistics or facts from various sources all in one place. This works very well if it’s surrounding a certain topical event.

For example: The best Donald Trump quotes.

Crime statistics of countries around the world

101 little known facts about Beyonce

How it’s done:

Research quotes/stats/facts and compile them all in one place, using some killer design to make it look attractive and appealing.

Why it works:

This type of post is very quick and easy to put together

Compilations are popular as audiences like to have and compare all the information in one place

These type of posts tend to be very ‘shareable’, especially if the design is good.

The ‘Best of’ Compilation Post

What it is:

A blog post where you compile groups of ‘the best’ related things, such as ‘best SEO tools’ or ‘best DIY websites’

How it’s done:

Do your research and compile, rank and review a list of the best items in your particular category, along with a bit of information about each one.

Why it works:

It’s very easy to create

You have a good chance of attracting links from mentioned websites

You generate conversation by including/excluding certain things on the list

The Mashup Post

What it is:

A compilation of various posts on different websites around a specific theme.

For example, a compilation of techniques from 10 different dog grooming websites on the best way to clip a poodle. You can either take the best parts of each article, or play them up against one another. You mention the sources, of course.

How it’s done:

Find various articles or advice around a common theme and compile different parts of each, or pit them against one another and offer your commentary.

Why it works:

It’s quick to create

You’re providing good quality information

Mentions increase chances of links and shares

You leverage each website’s existing audience

The Perennial Post

What it is:

A post that you’re able to update at timeous intervals, such as: weekly, monthly or annually.

How it’s done:

Find a topic that can be updated at regular intervals.

For example: ‘the best 10 people to follow on Instagram this week’, ‘20 best Christmas gift ideas’ or ‘Flowers to plant in your garden this month.

Why it works:

It provides an endless fount of blog posts out of only one topic

You get a built-in audience over time as readers who enjoyed the last one will read the updates

It’s quick and easy

It provides continuity for readers

The ‘New and Updated’ Post

What it is:

A successful post that you continue to update with extra information. For example ‘Best of downhill skiing compilation- now with 10 extra clips’ or ‘The New and Updated Fisherman’s guide’.

How it’s done:

Don’t abandon old successful posts, keep updating them with new information and advertise the ‘updated’ version to readers.

Why it works:

You get a built in audience (no one wants to have read the outdated version – they want the new one!)

Google loves that you’re updating old content

It’s an easy way to refresh old posts that have done well.

The serial post

What is it:

A piece of long copy or a guide that you publish in small installments rather than in one go.

How it’s done:

If you have or are writing a long post or a guide, don’t publish it all at once. Rather break it up into sections and publish part 1, 2 and 3 on their own.

Why it works:

Serialising your long posts helps you build up an audience as you go

You’re able to get 3 posts out of 1 topic

You don’t have to wait until it’s complete to publish

You can update as you go, creating fresh content for Google

I hope these 10 new blog post types have given you a few ideas of your own and got your creative juices flowing! Good luck and happy posting.